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Unknown Facts & Health Benefits of Sabja (Basil) Seeds

Sabja or basil seeds are typically used as flavoring. They give meals a distinct flavor. But did you know that Sabja seeds, also known as falooda seeds, are not only great for seasoning or producing fresh basil plants, but they are also packed with health benefits?

Updated on: 6 July, 2022 4:51 PM IST By: Kritika Madhukar
Drinks with sabja seeds give excellent respite from the summer heat

Sabja seeds, also known as tukmaria or basil seeds, are black seeds that resemble chia seeds and have several health advantages. They are native to India but are not the same as the holy basil, also known as Tulsi. Sabja seeds are high in protein, vital fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Surprisingly, they are devoid of calories.

Sabja seeds are primarily derived from sweet basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum, which is often used as a flavoring. They are usually referred to as sweet basil seeds since they come from the sweet basil plant.

Nutritional Configuration of Sabja Seeds

Sabja seeds are high in nutrients and have immune-boosting qualities. They are minimal in calories and include 42% carbs, 20% protein, and 25% healthy fats. 

They're strong in fiber and an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They are also high in minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamin C and folate. As a result, they are appropriately referred to as "miracle seeds."

You can include these seeds in several beverages

Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds

Functions as a Natural Body Coolant

Drinks with sabja seeds give excellent respite from the summer heat. Sabja seeds have been shown to lower body heat and soothe the stomach. These seeds may be used to make lemonades, coconut water, coconut milk, milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, and other beverages.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Sabja seeds have been shown to have exceptional anti-diabetic properties. Sabja seeds contain a lot of fiber. When diabetics were fed sabja seeds soon before meals on a regular basis, it avoided a jump in blood sugar levels. Thus, sabja seeds were discovered to be beneficial in managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

Have “Anti-Diabetic” Effects

Diabetes patients must be extremely careful about what they consume in order to keep their blood sugar levels stable. Sabja seeds have been discovered to have anti-diabetes effects. 

Several studies have found that if people eat Sabja seeds right before a meal, their blood sugar level does not spike thereafter. Sabja seeds can help control diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels stable after meals.

Aids Constipation and Acidity

Sabja seeds contain a lot of soluble fiber. People who suffer from constipation might greatly benefit from incorporating sabja into their everyday diet.

Sabja seeds contain pectin as well as a variety of other soluble fibers. Pectin has been shown to have prebiotic properties. It is so crucial in altering the makeup and metabolism of the complex gut microbiota and thereby boosting the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

How to Consume Sabja Seeds?

Sabja seeds are extremely hard and should not be consumed fresh. Two consume sabja seeds, add 2 tablespoons of Sabja seeds in a cup of warm water for around 15 minutes as they grow in size, they inflate, and a translucent grey film covering forms around each black seed.

You may now include these seeds in several beverages such as lemonade, milkshakes, coconut water, smoothies, buttermilk, soups, and so on. You may also use them to add crunch to ice cream, spaghetti, and salads.

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